S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine (SAM)

Description:

SAM is formed in the body by combining the amino acid methionine with adenosyl-triphosphate (ATP).

Physiologic Functions:

• Decreases serum bilirubin with Gilbert's syndrome
• Essential for all sulfur-containing compounds synthesis, including glutathione and other cartilage components that contain sulfur
• Functions closely with folic acid and vitamin B12 in methylation reactions
• Improves binding of neurotransmitters to receptor sites
• Improves fluidity of brain cell membrane
• Improves membrane function of the liver
• Improves the structure and function of cartilage in osteoarthritic joints
• Inactivates estrogens
• Increases levels of glutathionine
• Increases levels of serotonin, dopamine and phosphatidylserine
• May reduce the risk of liver cancer in individuals with chronic liver diseases like chronic hepatitis
• Necessary for manufacture of neurotransmitters and phospholipids like phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylserine
• Promotes bile flow
• Relieves inflammation and pain of osteoarthritis

Clinical Indications:

• Bipolar disorder
• Depression
• Fertility/Infertility
• Fibromyalgia
• Osteoarthritis
• Parkinson's disease
• Cirrhosis
• Drug rehabilitation
• Gilbert's syndrome
• Migraine
• Oral contraceptive-induced liver damage
• Postpartum depression

Dosages:

• Depression:
  
  200 mg. BID for 1 day; then increase to 400 mg. BID by day 3; then 400 mg. TID by day 10; then 400 mg. QID after day 20
• Fibromyalgia:
  
  200-400 mg. BID
• Osteoarthritis:
  
  Begin dosage like depression; 1200 mg daily after day 21, then reduce to maintenance of 200 mg. BID
• Migraine:
  
  200-400 mg. BID for long-term treatment
• Liver disorders:
  
  200-400 mg. BID-TID

Drug/Nutrient Interaction:

• May enhance elimination of various drugs due to the effects on the liver

Contraindications:

• Antidepressant activity may lead to the manic phase in bipolar individuals

Toxicity and Side Effects:

• May cause nausea and gastrointestinal disturbances

Copyright 1998 - 2008 by L. Vicky Crouse, ND and James S. Reiley, ND. All rights reserved (ISSN 1527-0661).